Waking Up Near Denmark
On March 17, I woke up at a campsite about 10 kilometers from the town of Denmark. Because the morning was already warm, I left the shade cover off my tent, letting the air move freely. Sleeping in the open like that felt refreshing.
Inside, the tent is small—purchased at Decathlon in Thailand. At 180 centimeters tall, I barely fit when stretching my legs. Anyone taller than me would find it difficult to sleep comfortably.
Breakfast was a simple tomato-based vegetable soup. I took my time sipping it, letting the warmth spread through my body before packing my gear and preparing to ride.
The Uphill Struggle
Although Denmark was only 10 kilometers away, the first half of the ride was a challenge. About five kilometers of steep climbing tested my strength. It took me nearly an hour at a slow pace to reach the top.
When I finally arrived, I was rewarded with a stunning view. The landscape opened up, and I stood there for about ten minutes, just gazing at the beauty around me. It felt like a gift after the effort of climbing.
From there, the road turned into a long descent. The wind against my face and the gentle speed made the ride feel effortless, carrying me forward to my next stop.
A Host Surrounded by Nature
The host’s house appeared after the downhill stretch. What struck me immediately were the massive trees rising all around the property. I lost count of how many there were, but each seemed to stand proudly, reaching high into the sky. The sight filled me with awe.
Inside, the home was equally remarkable. The living room featured a large window that framed the garden outside like a painting. My host explained that the house had been designed carefully, even considering how the light would flow into the rooms.
The garden itself felt like its own world—organized, peaceful, and in harmony with nature. Seeing it gave me the dream of someday building such a space for myself.
Wine, Dessert, and Shared Time
Soon after I arrived, my host opened a bottle of wine. To my surprise, it was a fine vintage worth around 10,000 yen. The taste was smooth and deep, washing away the fatigue of the journey.
Afterward, I was served a handmade dessert made with apples. It was modest in sweetness, letting the natural flavor of the fruit shine. It felt like a dish prepared with care and love.
Later in the day, we went together to a supermarket. On the way back, my host bought me a snack—an original mix of nuts and sweets—saying, “This one is delicious.” These small gestures warmed my heart as much as the fine wine and dessert.
